Slade Read online

  Slade didn’t look okay. She bit her lip, worrying. He didn’t seem to be bleeding badly, though the slices the vampire had made with her sharp claws didn’t look comfortable.

  “Just hurt in my pride is all.” Slade grimaced as he tried to get up.

  Kate reached to help him and realized he was weaker than he looked. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed at him.

  “You sure?”

  He shook his head just once and mouthed the words, not here. She got the message, but she didn’t like it. Not one bit. Still, she’d go along with his wishes as long as she didn’t think it would hurt him more.

  “Let’s grab the chalice and go,” Slade said through clenched lips. He was facing away from the cougars, though Grif was scowling at his younger brother, who was still caught in the surprisingly gentle grip of the vampire.

  “I don’t want to touch it,” she admitted, contemplating the chalice on the floor in front of them.

  “Don’t you dare,” Slade chastised her, showing renewed spirit. “I’d give you my shirt to wrap it in, but it’s sliced to ribbons and wouldn’t be very effective. You need something made of natural fabric. Wool or cotton. Even leather. No synthetics,” he instructed as she looked around. There wasn’t much in the room and what little fabric there was didn’t fit the bill.

  “I’ve got an idea.”

  Kate emptied the contents of her small, cloth bag, stuffing the items into every pocket she had available. It wasn’t comfortable, but it would work. The bag was small, but it would fit the chalice. The blood would probably ruin her nice little bag, but that couldn’t be helped. This was too important to worry about a bag that could easily be replaced.

  She opened the now-empty bag over the chalice and used the fabric to shield her fingers as she grabbed the rim of the metal goblet, trying to upend it to empty the rest of the blood out of it before she maneuvered it into her bag. It took a few moments, but her plan worked like a charm. The chalice just fit into the bag, with enough room to close it securely. The ceremonial object had been contained for the moment. They would deal with dispersing its evil power—if that could be done—once they were someplace safe.

  Kate secured the bag over her shoulder and then turned to help Slade, but he waved her away.

  “Take down your circle and free the animals. I was able to scent them.” Unlike the vampire went unsaid between them, but she knew what he meant. “They’re no threat and we can’t leave them here.”

  Nodding, she moved swiftly around the room, checking on each of the familiars and unlocking their cages. Once free, most were able to move under their own power. She had to carry one small kitten, but the rest followed her without question. They knew the feeling of good, Goddess-given magic when they felt it.

  When she had them all free, she returned to Slade and helped him stand. He leaned on her even more than she’d expected, and her worry for him was renewed. He staggered out of the now-defunct circle on the floor and toward the archway, one arm around her shoulders and a trail of a dozen animals—mostly cats—in their wake.

  The vampire had stopped nibbling on Mag, Kate was glad to see, but both wore expressions of euphoria. Mag lifted the woman in his arms and strode out of the house without so much as a by-your-leave to his concerned older brother. Grif watched him go for a moment before Kate and Slade drew even with him.

  Seeing them, Grif helped Kate support Slade on the other side and they made their way quickly down to the street where a cluster of vehicles had been left.

  Grif and Steve had come in one pickup truck, which was empty. Mag was already loading the groggy but smiling vampire into his sportscar. Matt and Robert were moving Robert’s motorcycle into the bushes, hiding it, while Steve silently watched over the unconscious mage in a full-size SUV. That left the rented SUV Slade had driven.

  “Do you need help with him?” Grif asked Kate directly, bypassing Slade, who seemed annoyed.

  “No. She doesn’t need help. I’m still awake here,” Slade groused.

  “Not for long by the looks of it,” Grif replied with a grimace.

  “It’s okay. I can drive the SUV,” Kate assured the Alpha cougar. “I’ll take him back to my place. I can help him better there and I doubt there’s anything else we can do tonight.” She looked behind her, gratified to see the little parade of familiars that continued to follow them. The kitten had fallen asleep in her hand and was purring against her palm even as she inadvertently jostled it, helping support Slade.

  “All right,” Grif agreed, guiding them to the rental vehicle and inspecting it before helping settle Slade in the front passenger seat. “We’re all going to be at the homestead except Steve, who I’m leaving on watch here tonight, and Mag. I’m not sure where he went with that vamp, but I won’t allow her in the same house with Belinda.”

  “For what it’s worth,” Kate faced the angry Alpha. “She was being held prisoner by the mage. He was draining her blood into the chalice. From what I could see, she wasn’t a willing participant. I’d advise you to listen to her story before you take any action. Plus, Mag seems to know her.”

  “Yeah.” Grif sighed running one hand through his sandy hair. “That’s what I’m worried about.” He moved his gaze from the couple who were already on their way down the street in Mag’s sports car, to Kate. “What about the critters?” Grif looked pointedly down to his feet where no less than three housecats were twining around his legs. He seemed more amused than annoyed.

  “They can come with me for now, but I think Valerie should take a look at them as soon as we get home. Can you send her to my place? I don’t want to let them loose on the neighborhood until we’re sure they’re okay.”

  “I’ll call ahead and tell her to be ready.” Grif bent to scoop one of the injured cats up as Kate opened the back door of the SUV. The animals who were able, hopped up on their own and picked out spots on the seats or floorboards. She had to help a few of the creatures that were either ill-equipped to jump that high or too weak or injured to manage it, but it didn’t take long before all of the familiars were settled comfortably. A little pulse of her magic ensured they would all remain calm for the duration of the ride, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

  “We’ll convoy it home, just in case,” Grif said as he closed the back door behind the last animal. “We should stick together. Strength in numbers and all that. Want to take the lead? You can call my cell if you sense any bad magic ahead of us. The boys and the prisoner will be in the middle and I’ll be riding rear-guard.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” She watched Robert hand his motorcycle keys to Steve. The older brother melted away into the dark as soon as he pocketed the keys to his ride home.

  Kate was worried when Slade didn’t put in his thoughts. Turning back to him, she saw his eyes were closed and his head was back against the headrest. He looked paler than he had before and her concern mounted.

  Grif left and checked the SUV with the prisoner before hopping into his pickup.

  Kate got into the driver’s seat of Slade’s rented SUV and started the car one-handed before turning to check on Slade. His eyes were open and he was looking at her. Good. He hadn’t passed out. She counted that as a good sign.

  “Can you hold her?” Kate lifted a sleeping kitten in one hand. The little thing couldn’t be more than a couple of weeks old.

  “Yeah, she can sit on my lap.” He reached out to secure the little ball of fluff as Kate gently placed the kitten on his thigh. Through it all, the baby cat remained sound asleep and purring.

  Kate pulled away from the curb and steered the SUV back toward friendlier parts of town.

  “Okay, we’re alone. Tell me what’s going on,” she began in a no-nonsense tone. She wanted to know what was up with him and she wouldn’t take no for an answer this time.

  “Feels like a couple of broken ribs. That vamp packed a wallop and I’m ashamed to admit, she got the jump on me. Damn, she was strong.” His words were strained as he clutched his side.


  “She’s a vampire. There’s no shame in one of them getting the drop on you—even for a shifter of your stature.” She pulled out into traffic. “They’re fast and they can take any form they want if they’re old and skilled enough. Her strength probably came out of desperation. She was crazed with blood loss when she attacked you. I’m sure the mage was starving her and tying her down with his dark blood magics, to keep her as docile as possible before he killed her. She’ll probably be grateful that you rang the doorbell when you did. I have little doubt you saved her life.”

  “That’s one way of looking at it,” Slade mused. “Hope she sees it that way. I certainly don’t want to tangle with her again anytime soon. As it is…” he paused to gasp as the SUV hit a bump Kate couldn’t avoid, “…I’m going to be handicapped for a while. Dammit.”

  “Not if I can help it,” she promised him, already planning the healing ceremony she would perform when she got him home. “Sorry about the bumps. This road isn’t the greatest, and I’m trying to avoid as many potholes as I can.”

  “It’s all right.”

  She took his comment on several different levels. They were all right after everything they’d been through that night. That meant something. And she was sure she could make him really all right after a little healing magic and maybe a good night’s sleep.

  Yeah, they’d be okay.

  One bad guy down. One to go.

  Chapter Seven

  The return trip to the housing development was much slower than the trip out had been, but Slade didn’t mind too much. They’d done good work that day, even if he’d run afoul of a violent vamp who was just too damn fast for him. He’d feel chagrin about that ‘til his dying day, but Kate had a few good points. This vamp had to be old if she could transform herself into an innocent-looking bear cub. From all he knew, they usually didn’t learn to shift shape until they had a few centuries under their belt.

  He’d been prepared to face a demon, not a faster-than-light bloodsucker. Demons, surprisingly, were slower. Even the ones who shapeshifted were confined to near-shifter speeds, regardless of the form they took. Vamps, though, they were in a class by themselves when it came to speed and deadly strength.

  Weakened as she was, the bloodletter had still been more than a match for even Slade’s skills. He hated admitting there was something out there that was better than him, but he knew it now, for a fact. He’d been given a lesson in humility—in front of witnesses. He’d been able, with Kate’s help, to hide the full extent of his embarrassment from the cougars, but he’d had to come clean with the priestess. Much to his everlasting shame.

  He had wanted to make a good impression on Kate, not make her feel sympathy for his sorry ass. Way to go to impress the ladies. Smooth, Slade. Real smooth.

  When she finally pulled the rented SUV into the housing development, he was relieved. The kitten had woken up but wasn’t moving around too much on his lap. It was traumatized from its ordeal, but it seemed comfortable with him. It was purring as he stroked its soft fur with one finger. It was so small. White with little black speckles and so fluffy. He’d never been one for pets, but he’d have to be made of stone not to feel something when faced with a tiny, helpless ball of fluff that purred.

  “She likes you,” Kate observed, parking the SUV in the driveway of a house he hadn’t seen before. It was smaller than some of the others, in a more or less protected position on a cul de sac.

  “She’s cute,” he agreed, scooping the kitten into his palm as he prepared to leave the vehicle. “Is this your place?”

  “Yep. Pardon the mess. I’m still not entirely moved in and some of the rooms are a little bare. I have to get more furniture, but I haven’t really had time or patience to do it yet.”

  He didn’t comment as he pushed himself out of the vehicle. He didn’t want to accept her help to walk the few steps to the front door, but found he had little choice. His ribs were giving him hell and he liked having her close to him even if he didn’t like acknowledging his weakness.

  He leaned against the side of the vehicle for support while she opened the back door to let the animals out. A few started to wander away under Slade’s watchful eye.

  “Hey!” he called and the escapees turned to look at him. He was an Alpha and even those stubborn house cats recognized his authority. “Stay with us,” he commanded in a quiet, non-threatening tone. He tried to convey the idea that he would protect them and one by one, they came back, sitting attentively at his feet, looking up at him for guidance.

  Kate chuckled as she lifted the last of the smaller creatures down from the SUV. “I’ve never seen a house cat come to heel before. Neat trick.”

  “To be honest, I wasn’t sure it would work. Most felines, even the small ones, have minds of their own, and don’t usually follow orders. But there are wolves in this community and these little guys have been traumatized enough. I don’t think any of the shifters would hunt house cats with any kind of serious intent, but dogs do like to chase things.”

  “Good point.” She secured the vehicle and came over to put her shoulder under his, supporting him.

  She was gentle, but the movement still jarred. He became concerned that maybe he had more than just a couple of broken ribs, but he sucked it up and grit his teeth as they hobbled inside, a parade of little critters following obediently behind.

  Her house was welcoming and neat. The living room, which he could see through a large archway as they passed, had a big, comfy-looking couch, but he knew if he got down into those big cushions, he wouldn’t be able to get out under his own steam anytime soon. The thing would swallow him whole and he’d need help levering out of the cushy trap.

  Kate must have realized it too, because she steered him away from the living room and down the hall.

  “I have a guest room down here with its own attached bathroom,” she explained as she ushered him toward the back of the house. I think it was originally designed to be used as an office, but I have some elderly friends who I hope will visit. I don’t want to make them go up and down those stairs, so I decided to repurpose the place a bit. There’s a bed in there already, though not much else, I’m sorry to say.”

  “I’m sure it’s fine,” Slade said as they came to the end of the hall and she reached out to open the door. “Anyplace with a flat surface I can stretch out on will be great. Even the floor.”

  He wasn’t kidding. The way his body hurt, he’d settle for the clean hardwood floor if he didn’t get to a better spot real soon. There was definitely something more than broken ribs going on inside his torso, judging by the piercing pain flaming through his midsection. Damn.

  Kate pushed the door open and Slade saw the room had a little more in it than she’d claimed. There was a nightstand next to the bed with a big-numbered, illuminated alarm clock and a lamp with a flowery shade. An ornate armoire sat along one wall, though it had been only partially built. The frame was up, but the shelving and internal poles and drawers had yet to be put together and inserted. There was also a velvety looking wing chair. It had very feminine lines and looked like an antique reproduction, though Slade didn’t know much about furniture.

  The bed was queen-sized and had been made with frilly white linens that had little roses and pansies on it that sort of matched the lamp. There were big, fluffy pillows covered with the same fabric and on the walls there were two framed watercolors of pansies and roses. He sensed a theme. A very grandmotherly theme.

  “Who exactly where you expecting to stay here?” Slade couldn’t keep the amusement from his voice.

  Kate looked shy for a moment. Almost embarrassed. She helped him sit on the edge of the bed, then busied herself turning down the comforter and removing some of the mountain of pillows.

  “I had a number of teachers along my path. A few of them are older ladies. Priestesses who helped me find my way. They don’t travel much, but I wanted to have a comfortable place ready if any of them came to visit.”

  Slade saw how much it
meant to her. “I think any woman would love what you’re doing here.”

  “But not a man?” Kate finally looked up at him as he pet the kitten in his hand who was nuzzling his jacket.

  “You have to admit. It is a little… uh… flowery.” He looked around and smiled. “But it’s pretty. My mom would love this. Pansies are her favorite flower.”

  They’d lost some of the familiars to other parts of the house, but a few had followed them into the flowery room. One in particular jumped up on the bed and walked right up to Slade, sniffing at him and the kitten in his hand.

  “I think we found the kitten’s mother,” he observed as the female cat began to lick the kitten affectionately. The female cat was black, but the baby was white with little black speckles. Still, they acted like momma and baby to Slade’s eyes.

  “Looks like that mystery is solved,” Kate observed. She stood and got one of the boxes that had held the last few unfinished pieces of the armoire. She then went into the bathroom and came back with a few towels. She spread two out on the bed behind Slade and put one in the box, making a little nest for the cats.

  Slade put the kitten into the box when Kate brought it to him. She put the box on the floor and the momma cat hopped down off the bed and joined her baby in the warm nest Kate had created for them.

  The doorbell rang and Kate looked toward the hall. “It’s Valerie. I recognize her energy.” She looked back at Slade and seemed torn about leaving him. That felt both good and bad. Good that she’d want to stay by his side. Bad that she wanted to do it because he was in such bad shape, and she knew it.

  Valerie, though, could help with the menagerie that was about to tear up Kate’s new house and probably crap all over it too. Slade didn’t know much about familiars, but he suspected they’d want food and a place to relieve themselves sooner rather than later.